Saudi Arabia declares all atheists are terrorists in new law to crack down on political dissidents

[Act_of_Reparation]

19. Ugh. Really?

Wahhabist ideology did not mysteriously sweep across the Arab peninsula:

No one is saying it did.

its political history and success are tied closely to various geopolitical matters

No one is saying it isn't.

The 1744 power-sharing agreement, between Ibn Abd al-Wahhab and Ibn Saud, doesn't necessarily signify that Ibn Saud established Diriyah for religious reasons:

No one is saying he did.

Wahhabism is not a movement that naturally commends itself to large numbers of people:

No one is saying it is.

it was not spread by voluntary conversion;

No one is saying it was.

however, as appointees of the king, and serving at his pleasure, they are likely rule in ways that consolidate ruling class power, and the authority of the monarch, rather than undermining him and his family

No one is saying they don't.